Read Mark 9:2-29.
Jesus’ “transfiguration” (changing forms: physical to spiritual) (vv. 2-13) terrifies Peter, James, and John, and Peter blurts out an odd suggestion, which itself is strong evidence of the truth of the story.
How have we so far seen in Mark’s gospel Jesus continuing and finishing the works of Moses and Elijah?
As at Jesus’ baptism (1:9-11), a voice from the sky speaks, affirming Jesus as the deeply loved Son we should listen to. What can we do today to listen more closely to the voice of Jesus?
The disciples were puzzled about what Jesus meant by “rising from the dead” (vv. 9-10). In the first century, many Jews believed “the resurrection” would happen to all the righteous at the end of time, not to one person ahead of all the others. They couldn’t understand Jesus’ implication that the Son of Man would rise from the dead, while they would still be living.
Having read Malachi 4, the Jews thought that Elijah would return before the final victory of God’s people. In the next exchange about Elijah (vv. 11-13), what is Jesus talking about when he says Elijah has already come?
Vv. 14-18 begins with a problem for the disciples. What is it?
How can you relate to the father’s words in 9:24?
How does Jesus deal with the problem (vv. 19-27)?
The disciples have turned a corner and now it’s getting harder. People today often suppose the early years of discipleship are the difficult ones, and that as you go things get more straightforward. However, the opposite is frequently the case. When we learn to walk beside Jesus, we are given harder tasks, which will demand more courage, more discipline, more sacrifice, more submission.
Have you seen this truth in your life? If so, how?
What have you learned from this passage about what to do when you face problems and crises?
Trent Dean
dean008@gmail.com